Wedding Homily Matthew 19:3-6 (Genesis 2:18-24; Hebrews 13:1-4a, 5-6b; Matthew 19:3-6)

Dear friends, what a joy it is to gather here today in the presence of God and all of you to witness this beautiful moment in the lives of [Name] and [Name]. As we celebrate this sacred covenant of marriage, we ask that God's grace and blessing be upon them now and throughout their journey together. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit guides us as we reflect on God's plan for marriage—a plan where "two become one flesh."

Today's Scripture readings reveal to us the profound truth that marriage is not merely a human institution but a divine creation. From the very beginning, in the book of Genesis, we hear that God looked at man in his solitude and declared, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suited to him" (Genesis 2:18). This helper, this woman formed from man's very rib, causes Adam to exclaim with joy, "This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh" (Genesis 2:23). And then comes this profound statement that echoes through the ages: "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24).

Jesus himself affirms and elevates this truth in our Gospel reading from Matthew. When questioned about divorce, he points back to this original design, saying, "Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female' and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'?" (Matthew 19:4-5). Then comes his powerful conclusion: "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate" (Matthew 19:6).

What does it mean for two to become one flesh? This is far more profound than mere physical union. It speaks to a complete communion of persons—a unity of mind, heart, will, and purpose. Saint John Paul II described this as a "sincere gift of self," where each spouse gives themselves completely to the other in love. This unity doesn't erase your individual identities, [Name] and [Name], but rather creates something new and beautiful from your unique gifts and personalities.

The letter to the Hebrews reinforces this understanding by reminding us, "Let marriage be honored among all and the marriage bed be kept undefiled" (Hebrews 13:4). This unity is sacred, worthy of reverence and protection. And notice how this passage begins with "Let mutual love continue" (Hebrews 13:1)—the foundation of becoming one flesh is genuine, self-giving love.

[Name] and [Name], I know that both of you have been nurtured in the Catholic faith, which has shaped your understanding of marriage as a sacrament. Today, you stand before God and this community to enter into this covenant—not just a contract but a sacred bond where Christ himself is present. Through the sacrament of matrimony, your love becomes a living sign of Christ's love for his Church. When the two of you become one flesh, you participate in the mystery of Christ's union with humanity.

In the Catholic tradition, we understand that this "becoming one flesh" is both a gift and a task. It is something God accomplishes in you through the sacrament, but it is also something you must choose daily. The Catechism teaches us that marriage requires "an unbreakable alliance between a man and a woman" that is "ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring" (CCC 1601).

So how do you live out this "two become one flesh" reality in your daily married life? Let me offer three practical ways:

First, pray together daily. When you join your hearts in prayer, you invite God into your oneness. Even if it's just a few minutes before bed or at the beginning of your day, this shared spiritual intimacy will strengthen your bond as one flesh.

Second, practice the art of compromise. Becoming one flesh means learning to think in terms of "we" rather than "me." This doesn't mean losing yourself, but rather finding a greater self in your union. When decisions need to be made, consider what is best for your marriage, not just what you individually prefer.

Third, forgive quickly and completely. The unity of one flesh can be wounded by resentment and unforgiveness. Remember the words from Hebrews: "The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid" (Hebrews 13:6). With God's help, you can overcome any hurt through the healing power of forgiveness.

[Name] and [Name], as you prepare to exchange your vows, remember that in becoming one flesh, you are participating in God's original design for humanity. From the garden of Eden to this altar today, God's plan has remained the same—that man and woman would find in each other a communion of love that reflects the very nature of God.

May God, who created man and woman to become one flesh, bless your union with abiding love. May Christ, who elevated marriage to a sacrament, be present in your home each day. And may the Holy Spirit, who unites all things in love, guide you in becoming ever more perfectly one flesh—one in mind, one in heart, and one in devoted love—now and all the days of your life.